Find Out Where to Go
Urgent Care or Emergency Department? AtlantiCare’s Back-to-School Cheat Sheet
As the shore season winds down and backpacks come out, South Jersey families trade in beach days and boardwalk rides for bus stops, football games and cooler weather activities. With the change of season comes a new set of mishaps and sniffles. Knowing where to go when you need medical care is just as important as packing lunchboxes or signing homework. AtlantiCare makes it easy to get the right care at the right time — so you and your family can get back to school, sports and fall fun faster.
When to Choose Urgent Care
Urgent care is the go-to when your regular doctor isn’t available and you need quick, effective treatment for minor medical issues:
- Sore throats, ear infections or sinus pressure that flare up once the school year begins
- Asthma flare-ups triggered by fall sports or cooler air
- Minor sprains, strains and sports injuries from football, soccer or cheerleading
- Pink eye and other contagious infections that spread quickly in classrooms
- Seasonal allergies from ragweed and falling leaves
- Mild burns from fall cooking or tailgate grills
AtlantiCare has 10 urgent care centers across Cape May, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden and Southern Ocean counties that are:
- Open late, on weekends and holidays
- Walk-in friendly (no appointment needed)
- Equipped with X-rays and lab testing
- Staffed by AtlantiCare providers, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants
When to Go to the Emergency Department
Emergency Departments are open 24/7 and equipped for serious or life-threatening situations. Call 911 or head to the ED immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or signs of stroke (numbness, slurred speech, sudden confusion)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Major injuries such as head trauma or fractures from contact sports
- Seizures or sudden loss of consciousness
- Significant burns
- Severe bleeding or suspected poisoning
AtlantiCare offers three emergency departments in Atlantic City, Galloway and Hammonton — including a Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, a Level II Trauma Center and specialized services for the heart, vascular care, childbirth and neonatal intensive care.
Back-to-School, Back to Health
Whether it’s a twisted ankle at practice, a fever that shows up the night before picture day or something more serious, getting the right care quickly can make all the difference. With more than 110 locations across the region, AtlantiCare helps keep your family healthy, safe and ready for every season.
Check wait times and find your nearest AtlantiCare Urgent Care or Emergency Department at www.atlanticare.org. Need a phone number or address for a specific Urgent Care center? Full contact details are at www.atlanticare.org/locations/urgent-care-locations.